Nominations are now open for the 2020 Tamworth Access Awards, recognising local individuals and businesses working to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Residents are asked to nominate businesses and individuals in Council’s local government area for the two categories: Individual and Business.
Council’s Manager Culture and Community Services, Kay Delahunt, said the Access Awards are an important way to recognise the disability community in Tamworth and its surrounding villages.
“Eligibility is intentionally broad in order to provide the opportunity for a range of initiatives, research projects, online content, designs, and strategies that make a difference to improve access to be considered for an award,” Ms Delahunt said.
“Each year there are new initiatives, ideas and actions carried out by businesses and ordinary people to improve access for our residents who live with a disability. These awards will recognise those actions.
“Here in Tamworth, we are very fortunate to have a number of disability service providers and there is a strong awareness of ensuring people living with a disability are catered for,” she said.
Last years winner of the Business Award, Fiona’s Mini Buses, was nominated for donating vehicles and time to support people wishing to attend the Links for Life Tamworth Disability Expo who were unable to access the mainstream services provided by the major bus companies.
“Providing booked transport services for people with disabilities often gives additional options to participate in community activities,” owner, Fiona Hemmings, said. “For some community members, without a way to get to the Expo means they just wouldn’t get to go.
“The [Disability] Expo is a must attend event for people with a disability and their carers to make connections and to learn about the wonderful products and services available to help them be more independent and live their best life.
“I was very honoured and humbled to receive last year’s Award.”
Nominations are for improved access initiatives that have been implemented in the period 1 December 2019 to 1 November 2020. One condition of the Access Awards is that a business cannot nominate itself.
To nominate phone your local Council branch office or download the form by visiting the Access Awards page.
Nominations close 12pm Wednesday, 11 November 2020 with judging to take place on Thursday, 12 November 2020. An awards ceremony will be held on Friday, 4 December 2020 with details of the event to be provided closer to the date.
